look book
You searched for: habitat magazine
Let’s talk texture: A hot new trend in home design
16 Apr 2026
Widely considered to be the first of our senses to develop in utero, touch allows us to have immediate and real interaction with the world. Not surprising then that from…
Bedroom design ideas for a calm and stylish space
12 Mar 2026
A great bedroom will balance both style and comfort. We’ve got some wonderful design ideas that show inspiring ways to use paints and wallpapers to shape a space that feels…
Home interiors inspired by nature and wildlife
25 Feb 2026
Nature is one of those things that is all around us, and it inspired our home design in so many ways. The gorgeous green of trees and plants, bright bursts…
Holiday inspired interiors – for a getaway at home
04 Feb 2026
If you’ve been dreaming of that big escape, or perhaps you just didn’t get a break from work over the Christmas and New Year period, then we’ve got you. Until…
Home interior colour predictions for 2026: Part two
22 Jan 2026
To help us look at what to expect in home design and colour trends for 2026, we turn to our wonderful and talented stylists who immerse themselves in this world…
habitat Christmas décor series: The countdown is on!
10 Dec 2025
It’s week four of our habitat Christmas décor series and with only 14 days to go now’s the time to add those final festive touches so you can sit back…
habitat Christmas décor series: Decked in the details
03 Dec 2025
It’s week three of our habitat Christmas décor series and as we edge closer to the big merry day it’s time to start adding all the smaller touches around home.…
habitat Christmas décor series: The most stylish time of the year
26 Nov 2025
We’re decking the halls (and the walls) again for week two of our habitat Christmas décor series. Last week we looked at charming neutrals and gentle greens, so this week…
habitat's Christmas décor series has begun!
19 Nov 2025
The countdown is on! If you haven’t already, you’re sure to soon notice all the Christmas trees and décor lacing the malls, shops and streets. It can be a little…
DIY garden makeovers: Inspiring projects to refresh your outdoor oasis
01 Sep 2025
Check out these clever garden projects using Resene paints. From bright obelisks to a vibrant Japanese-inspired garden and a bold water tank, these ideas might be just the inspiration you…
The warmth of flowing sands
08 Oct 2025
The Resene’s Whites and Neutrals range was the perfect go-between for this Whitianga Waterways home, allowing it to blend naturally with its coastal surroundings. The street name translates to ‘flowing…
How to make the most of small spaces in your home
25 Sep 2025
Small spaces can be the most rewarding to design. Maybe you’ve got a dainty home, or perhaps you’ve just got one of those corners or walls that is an awkward…
Why wallpaper in your dining room might be just what you need
17 Sep 2025
Your dining room isn’t just a place for meals. Stories are shared, drinks are poured and celebrations unfold. We spend a lot of time here, so why not give it…
Creative and cost-effective testpot ideas for your home
26 Aug 2025
Resene testpots are a fantastic, budget-friendly way to inject colour and personality into your home. With just a small amount of paint or wood stain you can create or transform…
First time homeowner? Here's how to choose your style
19 Aug 2025
Becoming a homeowner comes with a million little decisions, and one of the biggest can be figuring out what your style actually is. Perhaps you’ve moved into an old 1920s…
Join the dark side… of home design!
05 Aug 2025
Dark interior palettes can be downright transformative in home design and have become increasingly popular over the years. They can add depth, elegance and a sense of sophistication all on…
Top wallpaper designs for each style – chosen by the experts!
29 Jul 2025
You might have seen our recent story explaining all about where your wallpaper comes from. Now, the team at Aspiring Walls have rounded up their top-selling wallpaper designs in each style…
Let these top hallway picks lead your home into style
23 Jul 2025
Hallways are more than just a thoroughfare between rooms. They are your home’s first impression, and quite likely the most used space in your home! With the right Resene colours…
Time to rethink your flooring
08 Jul 2025
Floors are not always the first thing we think about when decorating our homes, but when done right, they can make all the difference and become an impactful feature. Use…
Our top living room picks to keep you cosy this season
19 Jun 2025
As the chill of winter rolls in, there’s nothing quite like retreating to a snug, stylish living room that wraps you up in comfort. Whether you're curling up with a…
Home as art: Walls that double as a canvas
29 May 2025
In the world of home design, walls are no longer just backdrops, they’re becoming canvases for self-expression, creativity and bold design. From vibrant murals to intricate special finishes, the possibilities…
Castlecore: A regal take on home interiors
08 May 2025
It’s easy to see how the allure of castles and palaces, with their opulent charm and timeless grandeur, finds its way into home design. Castlecore is a style inspired by…
The art of joy: Designing a home that smiles back
23 Apr 2025
As the days get shorter and the weather turns grey, our homes become more than just a place to retreat – they become our daily dose of sunshine. Creating a…
The return of wainscoting: Get the perfect panel look in your home
17 Apr 2025
Wainscoting – once a hallmark of traditional interiors – has found fresh life in contemporary homes. From sleek and sculptural panels to playful pops of colour and pattern, homeowners are…
Berry beautiful: Inspiring hues to sweeten your space
10 Apr 2025
Berry-inspired hues bring a luscious richness to home interiors, offering a colour palette that feels both comforting and dramatic. From the deep, moody tones of blackberries to the juicy brightness…
The art of neutrals: Our top five living room looks you’re sure to love
20 Feb 2025
Neutrals are the ultimate foundation for a beautifully designed living room. Whether you love soft, warm tones or crisp, modern whites, Resene's range of neutrals offers endless possibilities for layering textures,…
Taking your minimalist space to the next level with paints and wallpapers
30 Jan 2025
Minimalism is more than just a design trend – it’s a way of life that celebrates simplicity, functionality and the beauty of restraint. However, minimalism doesn’t have to mean plain…
Bringing the outdoors in: Nature-inspired interiors with paints and wallpapers
20 Nov 2024
Infuse your home with the calm and beauty of nature by embracing earthy tones, leafy patterns and lush greens. Nature-inspired interiors have the power to create tranquil spaces that nurture…
Restful retreats: Designing bedrooms with tranquillity in mind
09 Oct 2024
Bedrooms are our personal sanctuaries, spaces where we seek peace, rest and rejuvenation. Whether you're looking to create a haven of calm or a bold, expressive retreat, the right combination…
Natural wonders: Children's bedroom ideas inspired by the remarkable world outside
22 Aug 2024
Nature brings out the childlike wonder in us all, and after lockdowns spending far too long gazing wistfully out of windows, we gained a new appreciation for every colour, sound…
Turn up the heat this winter with these warm-toned designs
16 Jul 2024
Here we are in mid-July and yes, it’s cold outside! Just the time to introduce warm colours to your home and bring in the sunshine, whatever’s happening outdoors. Whether it’s…
Bring nature indoors with a biophilic design
03 Jul 2024
Biophilic design, a concept rooted in our intrinsic connection to nature, will always be a popular choice for home interiors. By incorporating natural elements and themes into your living space,…
Nature's palette: Create a tranquil space with these green hues
05 Jun 2024
Transform your home into a serene sanctuary with the soothing shades of Resene greens. From subtle pastels to vibrant tropicals, these colours can bring a touch of nature indoors. We’ve…
How Resene’s most loved colour made this home a timeless masterpiece
06 Jun 2024
With a harmonious blend of African and Japanese design elements, this home, named the Kauri House, is nestled within one of New Zealand’s lush, native forests. The renovation of this…
How to make the most of small spaces in your home
28 May 2024
Making the most of small rooms or empty walls in your home can transform underutilised areas into functional and stylish spaces. Whether you’re looking to add a workspace, update a…
A villa transformation: Breathing life into a family home
28 May 2024
With a growing family at hand, these homeowners desperately needed more space, as well as some colour and life injected into their villa. Alongside some structural changes, gentle blues and…
Your guide to creating a cosy living room this winter
21 May 2024
Creating a cosy living room is all about choosing the right elements that bring warmth, comfort and style to your space. With Resene's extensive range of paints and wallpapers, transforming…
Moody makeover: Five ways to incorporate dark hues in your home
24 Apr 2024
With a rich palette of hues and versatile wallpaper designs, Resene has what you need to explore the allure of darkness in your home décor. From sumptuous floral patterns to…
A modern, playful take on mid-century design
17 Apr 2024
In the picturesque, North Shore suburb of Takapuna, nestled within a light-filled home, is a vibrant oasis of colour and character. Decorated with an eye for playfulness and a dash…
Neutral territory: The timeless elegance of neutrals in home design
04 Apr 2024
Forever calming and restorative, the ease at which neutrals create a sanctuary-like setting means they’ll always have a place in the home. Their elegance and sophistication is why many people…
Organising your clutter: How to create the perfect drop zone
27 Mar 2024
Are you tired of constantly losing track of your keys, phone or even your sanity in the chaos of daily life? Well, fear not! We've got just the solution to…
Dreamy designs: Unlocking the secrets of serenity in bedroom design
13 Mar 2024
In celebration of World Sleep Day on March 17th, where the importance of quality rest is emphasised, come with us into the realm of serene sanctuaries with a focus on…
Easy outdoor ideas to up your entertaining game this summer
17 Jan 2024
Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like a fresh outdoor space to spend time with family and friends while we enjoy the warm weather. While you might have the…
Daring to dream in colour: A 1940s state house makeover
06 Dec 2023
In a lovely Wellington neighbourhood stands a 1940s state house, a canvas of history and potential that caught the eye of Emma and Simon. Unfazed by the mish-mashed interior and…
Flex appeal: Create stylish, functional spaces by following the principles of fluid design
28 Nov 2023
They say change is the only constant in life, but as we have all found, the pace of change has steadily increased over the past few years. The pandemic, which…
Dive into tranquillity: Refreshing blue hues for your bathroom
07 Nov 2023
When it comes to home design, bathrooms often take a back seat to more frequently visited rooms like the kitchen or living room. But, in our quest to create the…
Six living room looks that are sure to give you inspiration for your home
25 Oct 2023
Transform your living space into a haven of style and comfort with six exquisite living room inspiration looks that are bound to ignite your creativity. From timeless elegance to vibrant…
Wallpaper inspiration: Six trendy looks from new Resene Wallpaper Collections
17 Oct 2023
From subtle neutrals to vibrant colours and extravagant Versace designs, you’re sure to find your dream wallpaper in these collections We’re taking a look at a design from each of…
Elegance in monochrome: The timeless beauty of the ‘mullet’ home
17 Oct 2023
When it comes to their home design, the perfect analogy for Simon and Katrina’s home would be the iconic "business at the front - party at the back." Their beloved…
First impressions count: Tips and ideas for irresistible curb appeal
10 Oct 2023
They say first impressions matter, and when it comes to your home, its curb appeal sets the stage for what lies beyond. The exterior of your house is the first…
Designing your perfect home interior using mood boards
04 Oct 2023
Creating the perfect ambiance in your home is a combination of personal style, well selected colour and attention to detail. Mood boards can be an invaluable tool to get you…
Home sweet blue home: Budget friendly ideas and tips for using blue in home décor
14 Sep 2023
Choosing the right colour palette for your home can be similar to selecting the perfect ingredients for a culinary masterpiece. Each colour has its unique flavour, and when used thoughtfully,…
From homework to hangout: Smart and stylish ideas for kids' and teens' spaces
06 Sep 2023
Creating vibrant and functional spaces for kids and teens can be an exciting endeavour. These areas are not only where they study and play but also where they express their…
Splashes of magic: A look inside an out-of-this-world home
15 Aug 2023
Stepping through the doors of Laura and Krispin home in Te Awamutu is an out-of-this-world experience. There’s a ‘moonscape’ in the landing area near the front door (actually, an original…
Exploring the psychology of colour in interior design
25 Jul 2023
When it comes to interior design, colour plays a vital role in creating the desired ambiance and influencing our emotions. Understanding the psychology behind paint colours will allow you to…
Unleashing the fifth wall: Transforming interiors with painted ceilings
19 Jul 2023
They’re one of the most overlooked parts of the home, but ceilings can be transformative. With thousands of Resene paint colours, you can treat your ceiling as the fifth, and…
From neglected to coastal chic: The stunning renovation of a Queensland worker's cottage
11 Jul 2023
When Jared and Sarah bought their 1930s home in Burleigh Heads, its mood was anything but coastal chic. The living room featured pink walls and matted, purple carpet; its kitchen…
A renovation triumph: How love, hard work and Resene colours brought a dream to life
27 Jun 2023
Standing proud on a hill in Paremata, just north of Wellington, is a house that has captured the hearts of its owners, Steve and Melody. Purchased nearly eight years ago…
Craftcore: A new trend in home decor for the DIY enthusiast
13 Jun 2023
In an era of mass production and digital innovations, where technology reigns supreme, a remarkable trend has quietly emerged, breathing new life into the world of craftsmanship. Craftcore is a…
Captivating character: An Auckland home showcasing the essence of South Island living
07 Jun 2023
Nestled in the picturesque town of Riverhead, a stunning home designed by Hoxha Bailey Architects, in collaboration with clients Denise and Brett, stands as a testament to the couple’s shared…
Creating your dream bedroom: 5 ideas that will elevate your sleep space
23 May 2023
Your bedroom is more than just a space for rest and relaxation, it's a personal sanctuary where dreams are nurtured and rejuvenation takes flight. The design of your bedroom plays…
An office transformed into a beautiful and functional family home
17 May 2023
When Tina and her family saw their now home advertised on Trade Me as an office, they saw potential right away. Upon viewing the structure, Tina immediately felt that she…
Cabincore chic: How to achieve the look without going full rustic
17 May 2023
Romanticising the idea of living in a cabin or a cottage in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, cabincore is characterised by a focus on…
The royal treatment: Luxurious decorating ideas for your home
26 Apr 2023
Leading up to the King’s coronation we have put together some royal inspired interior looks to fit the mood. This style is often characterised by its luxurious and ornate features…
Industrial chic: A balance of form and function
21 Feb 2023
With its unique blend of rugged and refined elements, the industrial chic design has gained popularity in recent years. With its roots in the factories and warehouses of the 19th…
Effortless elegance: A home in timeless neutrals
15 Feb 2023
White and neutral interiors are always a popular choice in our homes. They create a calm, serene, and timeless feel, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a…
Nature inspired ideas for your home
01 Feb 2023
Forests, mountains and desert sunsets are just some of the environments that have long been a source of inspiration for how we decorate our interiors. They connect us with our…
Keep your summer rolling: 6 wallpapers to keep you in the holiday mood
11 Jan 2023
If you’re back at work or already thinking about those imminent colder months ahead, do not fear, you can bring a bit of holiday escape into your home that can…
Top stories for 2022: From restored villas to blue-themed rooms and inspiring neutrals, these are our most-popular reads this year
20 Dec 2022
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to revisit habitat readers’ most read stories of 2022. From villa makeovers to a whimsical gingerbread home and tips for trying…
Resene Cinderella stories -– Before and after exterior transformations
18 Dec 2022
Happy-ever-after stories aren’t just reserved for fairy tales. These exterior home transformations show that even grand old dames can become belles of the ball with a touch of Resene colour.
Fit…
Blushing with pride, interior stylist Amber Armitage has a modern take on classic Kiwi bach colours
01 Dec 2022
During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Amber Armitage knew one thing for certain when she saw a real estate listing for a home in Mangawhai - she had to buy…
Rural bliss: Canterbury family’s take on French country classic
23 Nov 2022
Shane and Ashley’s Leeston home is a picture of calm – however if the dreamy Resene Quarter Thorndon Cream and Resene Clouded Blue walls could talk, they would tell you…
Classic Christmas with a local twist: green, red and cream Christmas decorating ideas
17 Nov 2022
The origins of associating red, green and white with Christmas lie very much in a northern hemisphere winter. There’s plenty of debate about how far back the association goes, but…
Pauanui surfer riding a wave of success after a bach makeover
10 Nov 2022
This bach in Pauanui is definitely a surfer’s paradise. When Danny purchased the small two-bedroom cottage located near the sea and the golf course he knew it had the potential…
Resene blues for every room – and blues for outdoors: 30+ blue paints you’ll adore
20 Oct 2022
When it comes to designing with colour, blue is one of the all-time classics. There is a blue to suit every taste, every mood and every broader colour scheme or…
Jurassic world: This gorgeous home featuring four lush Resene greens was transformed in just six weeks
19 Oct 2022
Vanessa’s obsession with Resene colours started with an unlikely dinosaur green, transforming her stark white Christchurch home into an enigmatic, opulent space, a project showing first-hand the beauty that can…
Former chocolate factory with a sinister history transformed into an elegant, light-filled apartment
14 Oct 2022
Young architectural graduates Geordie and Emma Shaw had some guts when they purchased the dingy, worn apartment located at the scene of an unsolved murder in the capital. But the…
Personal space: five bedroom styles that beckon
08 Sep 2022
Bedrooms are personal sanctuaries where we want to relax and retreat. They’re also a place where you can experiment to create an interior style that really reflects your personality.
Because they’re…
Renovation masters Alice and Caleb at it again: A stunning Orewa home makeover
22 Aug 2022
Returning to the site of their first ever home renovation was both surreal and sentimental for DIY experts Alice and Caleb. “This is the first home we renovated and we…
Become a special effects artist in your home: A beginner’s guide to limewashing, chalk paint and Resene FX Paint Effects medium
11 Aug 2022
You’d be surprised at the range of completely unique looks you can achieve with paint, from watercolour walls to faux stone finishes. It’s all possible with the Resene FX Paint…
Understated coastal charm in Castlepoint with Resene Sea Fog and Resene Silver Sand
03 Aug 2022
Peer out the window of this Wairarapa Coast home and you might spy fur seals, dolphins or nesting gulls. Perched on a hilly corner in Castlepoint, this home is character-packed…
This home shows why you shouldn’t fear using edgy Resene Black on your walls
27 Jul 2022
Arna and Dave say when it comes to picking colours and styling a home, don’t overthink it. Choose what you love and you can’t go wrong. This meant bold and…
Create a bedroom your child won’t grow out of
06 Jul 2022
While growth spurts might have you overhauling your child’s wardrobe each season, thankfully a well-designed bedroom doesn’t have to be outgrown quite so quickly. With a little inspiration from Resene,…
Small wonders: Teeny House winners revealed!
23 Jun 2022
The winners of the Habitat by Resene Teeny House Competition show that size doesn’t matter when it comes to creativity and style. Decorators young and old entered the competition which…
Creative family’s eclectic home nestled in the Karangahake Gorge
09 Jun 2022
After living off-grid on their land in the Karangahake Gorge for five years, Roshan and Metuisela felt it was time for something new. With busy working lives and their children…
Get in shape: Five geometric wallpaper looks for your home
01 Jun 2022
There’s nothing that refreshes a space in a dramatic way quite like wallpaper. Contrast and character can spill into a room with the right wallpaper. Walls can come to life…
Inside a whimsical Nelson ‘Gingerbread House’ from the 1860s
12 May 2022
Gemma and Jeremy’s wee home in Nelson is packed with character – and characters. Flamingoes, parrots and flowers from the Resene Wallpaper Collection rub shoulders with Crown Lynn swans, vintage…
Six satisfying home makeover jobs for the long weekend
14 Apr 2022
This longweekend is the perfect time to tackle a little home improvement. Give your home a glow up with Resene paint, there’s nothing more satisfying than standing back to admire…
A travel-inspired terracotta family home with heart
07 Apr 2022
Helen and Phil’s Auckland home exudes life and warmth, so much so it almost wouldn’t surprise you to find a beating heart right in the middle of it. Collected treasures…
Bring the outside in with nature-inspired interiors
30 Mar 2022
As humans, we’re intrinsically drawn to natural environments. Mountains, rivers and wide open spaces fill our hearts with joy and our minds with a sense of calm. Who said we…
Revamp any room with a painted arch: Five curvaceous ideas
09 Mar 2022
If there’s a room in your home that you feel needs a little reinvention, a painted archway could be just what you need. A complete room refresher doesn’t mean you…
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
23 Dec 2021
Top stories for 2021: From Resene Duck Egg blue to Peter Wolfkamp’s cottage, these are some of our most-read stories this year
As the year ends, it’s time to take stock,…
Get your summer spaces guest-ready: Silly season tips for sleepouts, caravans, outdoor areas and guest rooms
18 Nov 2021
Wahoo, summer’s nearly here! But before you sit back, relax and kick into holiday mode, it’s time to pay special attention to those areas that come into use for gatherings…
Take it outside: Simple tips and tricks for painting the exterior of your home
27 Oct 2021
It’s a big, intimidating task, but painting your home’s exterior can instantly boost its resale value and has a huge effect on the way you feel about your home. First…
The hottest paint colours and decorating trends for 2022
29 Sep 2021
Creativity is on trend this year and the hottest Resene paint colours are here to help. We all have our own unique and wonderful style, so much so that some…
A splash in time: Eight stylish interior designs that have stood the test of time
23 Dec 2021
Time flies when it comes to the latest trends in interior design. With daring décor and new colour palettes to be discovered around every corner, take a moment to embrace…
From bland to beautiful: This Christchurch couple filled their charcoal and pink bungalow with paintings, plants and peacefulness
02 Sep 2021
For self-confessed serial renovators Leigh and Cory, colour is everything. When the couple first bought their 1920s three-bedroom bungalow in Christchurch it was painted tip to toe in white. With…
Moving on in Merlin’s Requiem: Wallpapers star in this home renovation which celebrates singledom
05 Aug 2021
When Caroline’s partner of five years left there was only one thing to do; completely renovate her house. Caroline says she coloured herself happy using everything from hand-crafted Masons wallpaper…
See what’s cooking in the drool-worthy kitchen & dining rooms on Three’s The Block NZ
29 Jul 2021
The teams were busy cooking up some creative designs on Three’s The Block NZ this week as they tackled their kitchen & dining rooms. With a packed schedule and grand…
10 paint colours we’re obsessed with right now
05 Nov 2021
The hottest paint colours right now are both grounding and ground-breaking. The focus this season is on renewal and nurturing with colours that are going back to nature with interior…
Three’s The Block NZ gets off to a colourful start with showstopping Guest Bedrooms
24 Jun 2021
This season of Three’s The Block NZ promises to be quite colourful if the first room reveal is anything to go by. The Guest Bedrooms revealed in last Sunday’s episode…
Creature comforts: Animal prints and wild room designs for grown-ups
17 Jun 2021
New Zealanders and Australians love animals. Both countries have some of the highest pet ownership rates in the world and we love spinning yarns about sheep, going cracker over quokkas,…
Six wonderful ways with wallpaper - PLUS a wallpaper evening in Nelson and Blenheim
10 Jun 2021
Wallpaper has made a glittering comeback in our homes over the years, from fabulous feature walls to magical murals. Whether you’re after a contemporary look or a casual atmosphere, Resene…
Off the wall: This 111-year-old villa gets a modern update with hand-painted wallpaper and zesty lime green
03 Jun 2021
Behind Ben and Helen Masters stately 1910 villa, painted in a restrained Resene Quarter Foggy Grey, lies a secret. Walking through the Resene Black front door lies a riot of…
10 room makeover projects for under $500 (that you can do in a weekend)
27 May 2021
If you’re strapped for time and strapped for cash, then these ideas are for you. Having a budget before you start your renovation is a great way to stay on…
How to be flaw-some: Ten perfect touch ups to help you embrace your home’s imperfections
13 May 2021
Everyone needs a bit of TLC every now and then, including our homes. It’s easy to see the flaws in our living spaces; a scuff mark here, a nail hole…
Ensure your roof choice will stand the test of time
30 Mar 2021
Whether you’re building new or repairing an existing home, you want to make sure that your roof a choice will not only look great but will also stand the test…
Embrace a pop of colour: Get brave with colour
11 Mar 2021
Adding colour to a room is a quick and affordable way to update your home and add energy and vibrancy to a space. But for first-time decorators choosing colours can…
All Black Sir John Kirwan keeps it simple with black and white bach
25 Feb 2021
All Black legend Sir John Kirwan and his wife Fiorella have a long connection with Waihi Beach so when they came to creating their dream bach they wanted to get…
Beachside cottage bought online on an impulse receives a contemporary coastal refresh while retaining original bach style
25 Feb 2021
Spontaneous home buying is not for the faint of heart but when a worn down 1950s Glenbrook Beach bach popped into her inbox it was love at first click-of-the-mouse for…
6 bright and beautiful yellow ideas for your home
28 Jan 2021
Add street appeal with a yellow front door. The door on this villa is painted in Resene Turbo with Resene White on the trim and weatherboards in Resene Triple Concrete.…
Oh la la! A maximalist’s colourful home inspired by 18th Century France
27 Jan 2021
Eat your heart out Marie Antoinette. Claire Crosby doesn’t do anything by halves. Her home is packed with antique treasures and painted in bold colours such as Resene Cinderella –…
Minor changes that make a big impact: Ways to improve a rental property using paint
20 Jan 2021
Painting walls and furniture are two minor changes you can make to rental properties. When painting walls seek written permission from a landlord. The green wall block is painted in…
Dividing lines: How to create shared spaces using paint
14 Jan 2021
Sharing space can be hard for many of us, but these clever paint ideas will make it easier to create office spaces, study zones - and keep the peace.
Left wall…
A historic Mount Eden villa gets the loving touch from an interior designer who calls her mother a client.
15 Dec 2020
When interior designer Clare Kitching set about creating a new Resene colour scheme for her mother Raewyn’s late-1800s villa, she started by reviewing her own taste.
“My mum is more of…
7+ ideas for creating an outdoor space that’s great for guests and entertaining
08 Dec 2020
As the temperature rises so too does the demand for parties and social gatherings.
By using a few fundamental design principles, you can transform your outdoor space into an area that’s…
Three spectacular garden sheds that do more than just store tools
24 Jun 2020
For most, a shed is a basic garden structure where we might keep our lawnmower, potting mix or general outdoor bits and bobs. But, for these three creatives, a shed…
9 steps to devising a colour scheme the way professional designers do
20 May 2020
A cohesive colour scheme is a sure-fire way to ensure your space feels well-considered and carries a unified look. But if you’ve never attempted it before, how do you actually…
Trudy and Al’s imaginative home makes and takes the cake
08 Apr 2020
For those who have had the pleasure, to meet Trudy is to love Trudy. From her fabulous ‘Ink’ and Retro-chic hairstyle to her quirky Rock-n-Roll-meets-vintage-glam clothing, Trudy oozes cool and…
Red - the colour of passion
21 Jun 2012
Hi, welcome to the new-look Habitat of the Week. I’m Sharon Newey, the editor of this and Habitat magazine, both showcasing gorgeous Resene colour. We’ll still be bringing you superb…
Vincent and Sarah give old bones an eco twist
13 Aug 2015
A grand old home is the perfect canvas for strong Resene colour… but has posed a few problems for its sustainability-aware owners. How do you, after all, make a draughty, energy-sapping heritage home…
Step outside: get colour clever
28 Nov 2013
The sun is shining, we’ve emerged from our houses and into the garden… If you’re like us, you’ve winced a little at the faded fence, the scruffy side garden and…
Merry Christmas from habitat and Resene
19 Dec 2013
There’s one time of the year when accessorising our homes is easy. At
Christmas, we can decorate the house, tree and front door with baubles, tinsel
and wreaths – like this one…
Retro, metro or pops of colour
09 Jul 2014
This cosy dining room with a Scandi-bent featured in the Winter 2014 issue of habitat magazine. We had two experts suggest an alternative scheme.
1 room, 4 ways
06 Jul 2014
We’ve all done it – pondered long and hard over the paint colour charts, worried over our interior colours, bought armfuls of Resene testpots to check out those choices. Are…
Debra's bold experiment with colour
23 Jul 2014
Walk into the home of Debra Yearsley, and you’ll quickly recognise her love of colour. But when the Yearsley family first moved into their 1980s plaster home, it was beige…
Cindy and Neville seize the eco moment
03 Jul 2014
Building a new farmhouse-style home in semi-rural Auckland gave Cindy and Neville Poole a chance to use up-to-the-minute energy efficient and eco-friendly products – including Resene VOC-free paint.
Having lived…
6 rainbow-bright reader projects
05 Jul 2014
At Habitat by Resene we get to see all sorts of creative ideas, submitted by our readers. Here’s a selection of the clever things you have done with paint which…
1 look, 4 ways: open-plan living and dining room
06 Aug 2014
In an excerpt from our popular Habitat Plus interior colour schemes booklet, we check out how different a living area and dining room can look with different Resene colours.
See double
Nowadays,…
Talia and Chris cross to the dark side
05 Sep 2014
When Talia O’Connor and husband Chris Taylor along with their family moved to New Zealand, dealing with the challenges of renovating a villa was completely foreign to them. Having lived…
Be a glamazon
14 Aug 2014
Who doesn’t like a dash of glitz, a bit of bling and lashings of glamour? Even the most die-hard minimalist loves the soft glow of gold, the sheer strokeability of…
Fashion forward
25 Aug 2014
The little black dress takes a back seat this weekend when up-and-coming designers from New Zealand Fashion Tech join forces with Resene at New Zealand Fashion Week this week.
The students were tasked…
Learn how to create this gorgeous study
06 Sep 2014
How far can you go with paint? A very long way, and in many creative directions as stylist extraordinaire LeeAnn Yare proved when she created this gorgeous study for Habitat.
Playing…
1 house, 4 ways: exterior
05 Nov 2014
It’s coming up for house painting season so to help you settle on a colour scheme, here are some ideas from our Habitat Plus booklet ‘1 look, 4 ways: exterior…
5 bright and beautiful homewares
03 Nov 2014
You may have seen interior designer LeeAnn Yare on page 80 in our Summer 2014/2015 issue (available now at Resene ColorShop and resellers), as well as her clever work both…
Living room, 3 ways
20 Nov 2014
When Trudie and Mike Nettle moved into their Hawke’s Bay home, with kids in tow, all of the walls and trims were painted in white Resene Alabaster. Trudie was keen…
Discover your style
11 Dec 2014
Many of us struggle to decide what style of interior we like and want to live with. It’s the reason interior magazines are so popular as we pore over the…
Create LeeAnn’s summery boho setting
18 Dec 2014
Create a relaxing corner with a retro vibe, with dusky purple tones and shots of copper. Whether you call it hippy chic, modern boho, or retro 70s, this look takes…
Be inspired by nature
15 Jan 2015
Summer’s the perfect time to get in touch with life beyond the walls of our house – a walk on the beach or through the bush, a dip in the…
Kids get creative
12 Feb 2015
You might not feel that comfortable painting a cloud mural on your living room wall but the one place we feel quite free to let our fancies fly is our…
Designer doggie digs
05 Mar 2015
When you’re poring over colour schemes for your home, take a moment to think about the canine members of the household, and be inspired by the Designer Dog Houses created…
What's your colour psyche?
12 Feb 2015
Do you love being enveloped in warm, earthy tones? Or are soft pastels more your taste? Have you ever felt uncomfortable with the colours in a room but didn't know…
Hallway decorating tricks
26 Feb 2015
It may be a lot smaller than a conventional room, but the hallway and entrance of your home is just as important as any other space in the house.
An entranceway…
Rustic loft makeover
18 Mar 2015
Turning a small, pokey space into a liveable room is all the rage these days – make use of your attic or garage space with this nifty makeover project by Good…
Where eco meets zen
10 May 2015
When it comes to bathrooms, nothing beats a fresh scheme that’s simple and relaxing. Because bathrooms are generally small spaces, it’s good to choose a style that allows you to…
DIY project: whitewash tabletop
01 Apr 2015
A whitewash finish will bring out the beautiful textures of wood-grained furniture, and this DIY project by Good magazine is a great way to introduce the look to your home.
You will need:
Timber surface, sanded…
1 living room, 3 looks
02 Apr 2015
Jan Warburton’s Wanaka home, which features in our Autumn/Winter 2015 issue (available to read here), is a bold mix of bright and neutral colours and grunty textures.
As we do every issue, we…
7 super creative painted walls
26 Mar 2015
Stencils, over-sized geometric patterns, simple murals, colour blocking… we’re keen to give our homes the edge and add a bit of individuality. Happily, there are many ways of doing that…
Lounge lizard
24 Mar 2015
As the cooler weather sets in, now is a fitting time to introduce oranges, reds and pops of purple to cosy up your living room.
In our video, stylist Claudia Kozub…
DIY project: wicker chair makeover
20 Apr 2015
Are you looking for ways to inject more colour into your home? This project by Good magazine takes a simple wicker chair and pretties it up using Resene Flamingo… with striking results. Follow their…
5 most popular posts
13 Apr 2015
No surprises, but when we look at our stats for the past six months, it seems you’ve been most keen on the gorgeous summery homes we’ve featured here at habitat…
Two small living successes
02 Apr 2015
As the small home movement gathers momentum, habitat by Resene looks at two projects that answer the call, and use Resene paint to great effect. Read more with our feature on colour tips…
Baby baby
04 Jun 2015
Creating the perfect room for a baby can be one of the most significant decorating projects in a parent’s life – especially when it’s our first. We all want to…
Pattern trends to love
08 Jul 2015
The walls are painted and the furniture arranged, so what now? It's the perfect time to think what patterns, from your Resene wallpaper to curtains and fabrics, you're going to add to…
Rick and Carolyn’s elegantly grand ‘barn’
26 Jul 2015
When Rick and Carolyn Thompson were looking for a new home, the classic lines of Customkit’s designs allowed them to create a home that’s strikingly simple… yet a little bit…
1 living room, 3 ways: tranquil, classic or playful excess
15 Jul 2015
Blues and greens and splashes of rich yellow make up the paint palette of this transitional Edwardian villa, a 'forever' home to owner Maggie Robertson.
The house was recently updated, turning it into a tasteful meld of 19th century practicality…
Tracy revives a kiwi icon
14 Dec 2015
One kiwi icon met another when Tracy Murphy transformed her ex Lockwood showhome with Resene paint. Both Lockwood and Resene are New Zealand companies born mid last century… and both are…
DIY: painted bathroom tiles
15 Dec 2015
When you don’t want (or can’t afford) tiles in your bathroom you can still get bold with colour and pattern.
In her new build home, Michele and husband James worked out…
Colour trending: pastels as neutrals
08 Dec 2015
For many more cautious colour users, these muted pastels are a great step up from neutral colours. They still have that easy-on-the-eye appeal and flexibility of neutrals like grey and greige but they give a…
5 one-of-a-kind colour uses
09 Dec 2015
During the years here at habitat, we’ve seen some pretty unusual uses of colour – people who have taken Resene colour and used it in unexpected ways like bright green…
Janey turns cabin from hokey to heavenly
19 Nov 2015
Small space, set budget, stunning makeover... it is possible, folks. We only have to look at this stylish holiday home on Auckland’s West Coast, simply made over with a couple…
Gareth and Jolie come home to happiness
23 Feb 2016
For Gareth and Jolie Hodson, happiness has been all about coming home to New Zealand, finding the right house and then turning it into their own family sanctuary.
Now finished in…
Trending: tonal freehand murals
09 Mar 2016
This cool hill mural is not as hard as it looks. For a start, it’s done freehand, which means that if you make small mistakes, it doesn’t matter. Who’s going…
1 dining space, 3 ways
04 Oct 2015
In each issue of habitat magazine, we ask designers to give a new look to a room in a house we have featured. In the latest issue, we visited a…
Create the best black and white scheme
25 Mar 2016
You’d think it would the easiest colour scheme in the world to create – black and white. It’s certainly a striking and dramatic combo that can be adapted to many…
Be inspired… by food
24 Mar 2016
Colour is all around us – on our walls, in nature and at our table. When you’re planning a Resene colour scheme, there are so many examples of great colour…
Kid's room 3 ways
01 May 2016
In each issue of habitat magazine, we ask designers to give a new look to a room in a house we have featured.
In the latest issue, we visited a Wellington…
Garden courtyard 3 ways
01 Feb 2016
In each issue of habitat magazine, we ask designers to give a new look to a room in a house we have featured.
In the latest issue, we visited the small…
Fresh ideas from the mantelpiece
19 May 2016
Shelfies, flatlays and vignettes are just some of the ways stylists and home enthusiasts are inspiring on social media these days. We asked Wellington stylist Nikki Astwood, of Revised Edition,…
5 top winter colours for 2016
20 May 2016
This season’s top colours for winter are a mix of deep rich tones, as well as those with a distinct hippy retro vibe. All are rich, some are dark –…
Sandra and John’s designer oasis in suburbia
02 Jun 2016
When landscape designer Sandra Batley and partner John Eagleton were looking for a stepping-stone home, they found the perfect solution buried deep in suburbia – an untouched 1970s brick and…
6 paint trends that just keep on going
17 Jun 2016
1. Resene Black White
There’s something about this colour that homeowners love. The answer is possibly in the Resene description of the colour: ‘a calcite grey white, chalky and soft’. Despite…
Erin and Jaron’s cleverly recycled alpine retreat
07 Mar 2016
It may not look recycled in that vintage way we’ve become used to, but this Nelson Lakes holiday home is, in fact, an example of extremely clever re-use. Its interior…
5 strong but not scary colours
04 Aug 2016
Welcome to the world of strong colour. It won’t be new to ardent home decorators, but those entering the game may be nervous about going bold (and getting it wrong).
Never fear!…
Resene award winners show true colour spirit
09 Sep 2016
A house that marries yellow, turquoise and red; another that allows playful textures and architectural lines to shine; and an apartment block that turns a striking colour-blocked wall to the…
Marcus and Melanie ring in the blues
20 Oct 2016
At just 23-years-old, Marcus and Melanie decided to buy and do up their first house... and what a house it is.
Drawn to dramatic dark colours (cue Resene New Denim Blue on the…
Trending: triangle formation
06 Oct 2016
The cover of the latest issue of habitat is hard to miss, with this stunning triangle wall painted in ten Resene colours. And the look is easier to achieve than you might think.
Stylist Megan…
Get the trends for 2017 from Habitat plus
02 Nov 2016
What colours will be embraced in our homes during the next few years? What decorating directions will emerge? Trends don’t happen overnight. They gestate over many months, even years and…
A garden recreated
15 Nov 2016
In the Spring/Summer '17 issue of habitat, we feature an impressive potager garden that keeps its homeowners fed with delicious organic fruit and veges growing all through the year. We asked two…
Take a testpot... kid's edition
10 Jan 2017
When it comes to decorating kids' bedrooms, it's okay to indulge in a bit of imagination. After all, with so many colours in the Resene paint range, there's really no limit.
Get the kids involved…
Kelly brings the Hamptons home
31 Mar 2017
It’s hard to believe that this home was once filled with shag pile carpet and salmon-coloured bathroom fittings. Today, it’s a serene and beautiful retreat sporting a dreamy palette of…
Sally’s secret walled garden hideaway
13 Apr 2017
When well-known garden photographer Sally Tagg was deciding on the right colour for her walled garden and home exterior, it’s no surprise that she saw it with an artist’s eye.…
2 rooms, 4 designer looks
17 Aug 2017
Ever looked at a room in your home, and wondered what it would look like with a completely new colour scheme and furnishings? In every issue of habitat, we ask designers to create…
From drab to fab: Julia and Jordan's edgy character home
27 Apr 2017
Sun streams into the open plan kitchen and dining room of Julia and Jordan Rogers' home, hitting the bold Resene Quarter Fuscous Grey walls and beautiful ornate trims at the top.…
Bring the country look to your home
09 May 2017
If you love the country look, but live a fair distance from anywhere remotely rural, that's okay. There's a way for city dwellers to integrate all the charm and atmosphere of country living into…
1 room, 3 ways
15 Jun 2017
Stylist Sarah Heeringa shows us how to use warm colours and luxurious textiles to create the cosiest winter lounge retreat.
Colour is a complex phenomenon and theories about its effect on our…
Anya and Richard go bold with eco living
15 Jun 2017
A low energy house painted in bold Resene colour, this Wellington home is a winner in more ways than one. Chosen as the Residential Interior winner of last year's Resene Total…
Which Resene white to choose: Find the right white paint for your home
29 Jun 2017
Alabaster, chalk, ivory, cream… which is which? There are so many wonderful Resene whites to choose from.
All whites are not created equal… and that’s particularly true with paint colour.…
See the colour that adds dollars to your home
06 Jul 2017
Are you selling your home and wondering what colour interiors will appeal the most? The common philosophy is to play it safe and have a broad appeal by painting everything in inoffensive…
5 paint effects to try right now
03 Aug 2017
In the latest habitat plus booklet, we look at paint effects techniques commonly used, updated using Resene paint and product. From French wash to crackle, woodgrain to marbling, there are so many…
Trends: hot looks for the year ahead
07 Sep 2017
Any decorating trend doesn’t occupy a moment, a month or even a year in time.
We get used to seeing fashion trends come and go with the seasons – it’s fitted…
Get our beachy bedroom cover look
02 Nov 2017
Beach brights, watery blues, honey yellows... the cover of our latest issue is all about celebrating the look of summer. We bring the best of the sunny season indoors with this stunning…
Dining goes soft and citrus
21 Dec 2017
Whether your dining room stands alone or is part of an open plan living area, it's always nice to have something that differentiates it from the kitchen and lounge area. Using Resene greys…
Sweeten up study time
17 Jan 2018
Kids heading back to school can fall into two camps... either they are excited to return to the rhythm of the school year, or they're already dreading the thought of homework…
The wabi sabi way
15 Mar 2018
First there was hygge, now there is wabi sabi. It’s time to start speaking a different language if you want to understand the latest philosophies behind global decorating.
While the Danish…
Amber brings her happy place home
26 Apr 2018
Many of us have a ‘happy place’ – a particular spot, town or location that makes us feel good. Your happy place might be a particular type, like a bush…
Off the wall decorating ideas
21 Jun 2018
In a decorating slump? Wanting to get stuck into a new project for the home? If the ideas are running dry, these five easy decorating projects will get the fire…
On trend: Laundry love
04 Oct 2018
The laundry is not the sexiest room in the house, often overlooked in favour of kitchens and bathrooms when it comes to spaces that are both functional and impressive. But…
New ways to go green
13 Sep 2018
Going green is a phrase with plenty of connotations beyond simply choosing a colour scheme, and they influence the shades of green we prefer at different times. Like all trends,…
On trend: Shaping up
27 Sep 2018
Do you have a large expanse of white wall? Or a square box room with few architectural features? Good news! They make the perfect blank canvas for styling with painted…
Marcelle and Simon’s colour-lover’s villa
18 Oct 2018
When advertising executive Marcelle Baker came to designing the interior of her renovated, century-old villa in Onehunga, Auckland, colour was key in the form of a bold Resene palette. “I…
Harriet’s dreamy scheme for a rebuilt farm cottage
15 Nov 2018
Charged with decorating a Waikato country cottage, designer Harriet Di Maio opted for a palette of soft heritage colours, reminiscent of those found in English country homes.
Her clients had almost…
Our 3 favourite exteriors of 2018
17 Jan 2019
After looking back at some of the most inspiring exteriors we’ve seen over the past year, and now that summer is in full swing – at least when the weather…
One Room, Three Ways: Duck Egg Blue
07 Feb 2019
Since being made famous by Marie Antoinette nearly 300 years ago, we’re not sure there’s any colour that’s been quite as pervasive in the interior design world as duck egg…
The 30th issue of habitat by Resene magazine is on its way!
06 Mar 2019
Our Autumn/Winter 2019 issue is hot off the presses, and it’s a special one. Thanks to dedicated readers like you, habitat by Resene magazine is officially 15 years old –…
This striking black kitchen is the crown jewel of a contemporary North Otago farmstead
06 Mar 2019
Situated in Ardgowan, just west of Oamaru, this jaw-dropping house has a spectacular vista overlooking farmland and the Kakanui mountain range. The hardworking couple who own it are in their…
One living/dining room, three ways
24 Sep 2019
Decked out in a range of beautiful coastal Resene blues, designer Annabel Berry’s open plan living and dining area was one of the most popular rooms in the Autumn/Winter 2019…
Erina and Matt’s fearlessly colourful family home
02 Oct 2019
With an unashamedly eclectic home and an eye on budget, designer Erina Emery and husband Matt have created a fun and colourful home for their family.
Clad in white stucco, the…
These spicy shades are the next big thing
26 Feb 2020
Swipe your way through Instagram or Pinterest, flip through a design magazine, or step foot into your local décor shop and you’ll have no doubt that the interiors world is…
